The contribution of LepA to virulence and host cell invasion in Salmonella Typhimurium

Background

LepA is one of the most conserved proteins and is found in nearly all bacteria as well as in eukaryotes. Mutation of lepA increases antibiotic tolerance in Escherichia coli, Salmonella, and rifampicin-resistant clinical mycobacterial isolates. However, the physiological function and its role in virulence of LepA remain elusive, particularly considering that LepA is non-essential under laboratory conditions.